Pictures from Phoenix and sometimes from the surrounding cities that make up the "Valley of the Sun"

Monday, June 29, 2009

Artichoke

It’s not very often that I get to see an artichoke in full bloom. I spotted this one in a neighbor’s yard and went home to get my camera.

I have many photos of ordinary thistle blooms and whenever I see the extra large artichoke blooms I’m reminded that the lovely vegetable I like to dip in lemon butter or toss with pasta is really a member of the thistle family.

I've never seen an artichoke in bloom. I didn't know they did bloom! I always thought they grew closer to the ground like cabbages. Although, I knew you had to dig out the stringy thistle stuff from an artichoke before cooking them, I didn't realize they were in the thistle family. I've learned something.